Calc Deflection of Prismatic Beam: Step by Step Guide

[Retros]

Hello PF,

First time here posting. So I have a question about trying to calculate the deflection of this prismatic beam by hand using superposition. I know I can figure it out in SolidWorks, but I also want to know I would do it by hand, or at least the general process. The angled bar b is really throwing me off.

So when calculating the total deflection, δ_T, at end of bar a, is it the sum of the deflections due to beam a, b, and c?


Can I assume the angular deflection, θ, are the same for bars a, b, and c?

 

[AlephZero]

The structure is statically determinate, so you can find the loads on the end of each part.

If you start with part a, the loads on the top end are a compressive force and a bending moment, so you can find the deflections and the rotation.

Then at the other end of part b, you have the deflections caused by part b bending, plus the rigid body motion because the end of part a has moved and rotated.

Similarly for part c.